But the person receiving that deal could play a role in Cashman giving out his own mega contract to a power-hitting infielder with the ability to play shortstop or third base.

Yes, as the GM Meetings wrapped up in California, the idea of the Yankees prioritizing starting pitching over big bats like Manny Machado or Bryce Harper is still out there--and becoming more and more believable.

But not everyone is ready to throw the towel in on a Yankees pursuit of Machado.

One factor that cannot be discounted in a pursuit is that Alex Rodriguez is an adviser to the owner and could be an advocate for a player who also grew up in Miami -- and idolized A-Rod. Machado also would pick the Yankees above any team to join, if the money is there.

If the Yankees decide Machado's bat and potential excellence at third base is too good to pass up on the open market, it's likely that a ringing endorsement will come from Rodriguez--a player that can relate to the plight of coming to New York with huge expectations and positional versatility.

Machado, 26, hit 37 home runs and posted a .905 OPS in 2018 during stops with the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers.